Christmas classic: Medimime’s The Grinch is set to delight audiences at GPAC.
By John Van Klaveren
THOSE wacky doctors and nurses at Geelong Hospital are back with another Medimime production, this time turning the spotlight on The Grinch.
Presented in the classic pantomime tradition, the production offers a modern take on Dr Seuss classic The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
Now an enduring anti-Christmas character, the Grinch has also been immortalised in movie form.
Bitter and twisted after being exiled from Whoville, the Grinch is determined to ruin Christmas and blame it all on Santa.
The Mayor of Whoville, Aunty Nora, Annie and Colin try to save Christmas with the help of Santa, his elves and the Snow Queen and her imps.
In the end, though, it might just be sweet Polly Watt’s kindness that melts the Grinch’s frosty heart.
Medimime director Dr Liz Lester said the production included lots of modern jokes given the traditional panto treatment.
“The music we’ve chosen includes recent material by Beyonce, Rhianna and Katy Perry right alongside old favourites like Let it Snow and Winter Wonderland.
“And of course there are lots of well-known and loved Christmas tunes.”
Dr Lester said a few of the cast were old hands as panto veterans, with some new additions and a number of child roles also crucial to the story.
“We tend to cast the net fairly wide, so anyone connected with Barwon Health or allied health is fair game for us,” Dr Lester laughed.
“Friends and family also lend their assistance.
“The show is suitable for the whole family and there will be a special visit from Santa during interval – bring along your cameras and a gold coin to have your photo with him.”
Dr Lester said proceeds would go to mental health community services.
Geelong Hospital staff established Medimime Productions in 1974, with an enthusiastic and dedicated group of volunteers gathering each year to present a pantomime in true English Christmas tradition.
Since its conception Medimime has raised more than $300,000 for the hospital.
Medimime will present The Grinch from next Friday to November 26 at Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
